Student Poll Worker Program

Program HistoryIn 1996 the California State Legislature amended election law to allow high school students to serve as poll workers on Election Day. This special program gives students hands-on experience with the voting process. Join other high school students throughout Orange County as they discover firsthand how the American electoral process works. You'll have an opportunity to make a difference even before you can cast your vote!

Qualifications to Participate as a Student Poll Worker

You must be a United States citizen by the time you volunteer on Election Day

Minimum age is 16 years of age

Be a current high school student

Be a student in good academic standing

Have a GPA of at least 2.5

Have permission of your parent or guardian and school

Benefits

You will receive $75 for volunteering on Election Day and $20 for attending the mandatory training - almost 100 bucks! ($95 to be precise)

You will receive a personalized certificate of thanks from the Registrar of Voters

Some schools offer class credit for volunteering on Election Day, especially if you are in a government or political science class (check with your school administration or teachers)

Some schools also offer credit or hours for volunteering on Election Day in order to fulfill a community service requirement for graduation (check with your school administration or teachers)

Duties

Set up and administer designated polling place with assistance of your fellow poll workers

Direct voters to sign in, and verify signature

Assist voters in the operation of the electronic voting booths or paper ballot voting

Answer voters' procedural questions

Close polls at the end of the Election Day with assistance of your fellow poll workers